James F. Nelson

James “Jim” Frances Nelson passed on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and James Nelson, sister, Marion Blanton, and brother, Gaetano “Guy” Izzo.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 29, 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne (Airmobile) Division achieving the rank of Specialist 4. He received numerous awards, most notably the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Air Medal. Jim returned to New York after his service and started a family, having two sons. He and his family moved to Texas in 1977 where he eventually started a career in the natural gas production testing field with FESCO in McAllen, eventually retiring as General Manager with Wildcat Gas Well Testing, Inc. in Mission, Texas. It was through his career that he made several close friends and was introduced to his wife, Irene, whom he married in 1989, and who was by his side when he passed.

Although he lived in Texas for the majority of his life, he never lost that Brooklyn accent and that “colorful” language. He was loved by his family and friends and lived a good life. He will be well remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Irene Nelson; his sons Eric(JoAnn) Nelson, Chris(Kristy) Nelson; his grandchildren Robin, Kyle, Bailey and James; and his nieces and nephews Bobby Joe Tijerina, Belen Tijerina, Dominique Tijerina and Carmela Tijerina.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a funeral service at 2:00 pm.